I posted this review, because it seems that there are a few Shure V15VxMR owners who seem to be unaware that Jico offers a more than suitable replacement stylus. Its code # is SHVN5xMRSAS. It is not cheap, costing $144.95, but many attest that it is an improvement over the original, and that it elevates the performance to world-class excellence. A search of the Internet will lead to many glowing testimonials.
The good news is that you do not have to perform any modifications to make it fit; simply install and play.
One note. The original Shure brush required that you add .50 gram to the VTF to offset the brush's effect. If you set the tracking force to 1.50 grams (brush up), it is, actually, tracking at 1.00 gram (brush down). For the Jico brush, the compensation is .30 gram.

I have noted that several members says that you cannot get replacement styli - well you cant but what you can do is buy one of the £12 replacement styli on ebay and remove the stylus guard then file back the 2 front lugs till they are flush then the stlys will fit rightinto the body of the cartridge - does it work - I'll say so wow does it sound good. I was given my vx free because the giver told me you cannot get styli for them - well try this you will be pleasantly surprised.

Tracking, low end, and good-looking!

No replacement styli available.

I used the V15VxMR for 3 years or so, in a Mayware Formula 4 unipivot mounted on a Fons International MkI. The combination was just wonderful... low mass, low touch is a good way to go, and, in the Mayware, I believe it would have tracked an earthquake at 1 gram. Best low end I've ever heard. Sold it recently due to the absence of replacement styli, and before the beryllium cantilever got too old. Got what I paid for it!

Similar Products Used:

Shure M97xE
Sumiko Pearl
ADC XLM MkII (improved)
Grado GF3E+
Pickering XSV3000

---It is a tracking/tracing champ that seems to lick any IGD or sibilance I have thrown at it with my records!

---A light tracker (at 1g) that will save your record collection from major wear and tear as opposed to using heavy "vinyl digging trenchers".

---No mind or ear sonic fatigue during long listening periods!---Just pleasant highs,mids,just a smidge or small tad lacking in the bass on my system.

---That wonderful stabilizer brush/stylus guard which acts as a "suspension spring shcok" on warped records as well as removes debris and static before those obstacles can get to the stylus and affect playback quality.---While it does remove the light dust and debris, it should NOT be used as a major tool or be considered one in lieu of proper record brushing and cleaning...

---Not as sonically involving as my AT 440 ML and Denon DL 110 cartridges(but DO NOT mistake the Shure for a slouch or slug either and it does have it's other finer qualities as well).

---"soft" highs ---I recall owning an earlier Shure V15 model years ago and do remember it had slightly better highs and tad more robust vinyl-analog presentation

---I find myself nudging the bass-tone control upwards with some records

---No longer made by Shure.

---Ridiculous NOS or USED online internet selling prices and bidding wars!!!

AS of this review writing, sadly, thie Shure V15VxMR is no longer in production;Has not been in a few years now. It ceased production of this 1997 introduced V15 "re-vamped" model back in 2004...Shure simply stated on their website ,at the time, that due to shortage of "exotic materials" incorporated in the manufacturing process of this audiophile cart, it would no longer be produced (sigh)...I guess I was one of the lucky few who was able to still get mine back in 2004 for a somewhat decent price( I don't believe I ever saw the Shure V15VxMR sell anywhere below the $230-$210 mark...After that, this cart sold as NOS stock on internet bidding websites (which will remain nameless) , has soared to sometimes outrageous prices (from $300 to well over $500)...and there are NO replacement styli left whatsoever from Shure...Though, I believe there may be one or two internet audiophile companies that manufacture or sell a close susbtitue replacement stylus---the last I heard (don't quote me on this)...

I will first state or preface my actual review by saying that this is NOT a cart for everyone...Not because it was such a poorly made cart or that it produces such horrid low end-cheap quality sonics;FAR from it...It is because, as many other owners,such as myself noted, it is anywhere from a warm to neutral sounding cart (vice-versa?). There are two camps of owners: Those that have heard the cart and said how smoothly musical and warm it is (no ear or mind fatigue or harsh mids or highs) and those that simply calll in "uninvolving" or simply dull but it tracks beautifully.


...It IS a champ in the tracking department. As these Shures are noted for theiir almost impeccable and uncanny way of being able to trace a record groove from beginning to end without,absolutely no IGD (inner groove distortion) that lesser cartridges cannot handle or overcome.IGD is the stylus nearing the end of a record on the last couple of tracks where groove information is tightly packed as opposed to the beginning or middle of a record. It is very difficult for some cartridges/styli to trace---you will get a harsh, "etchy" sound (this is audibly annoying)...The fine shape and "footprint" of the stylus on the Shure(Micro-Ridge) is the major contributing factor in practically eliminating IGD.this in conjunction with the Berrylium Microwall cantilever. This is THE first cartridge I have ever owned that proved to me that IGD is NOT something I had to live with OR hang on to the false belief that there was no way to overcome it; "Just live with it because that's the way records or the vinyl medium is suppose to sound "---The whole IGD thing is what kept me and even made me debate a few years ago whether or not I should jump back into vinyl! By the way, this is a light tracking cart that only requires 1 gram (that is with the stylus guard/stabilizer brush up)...With the guard-brush down it requires maybe 1.25 to 1.5 but NOTHING beyond that. This results in tacking care of your records and preventing "trench grooves" from heavier cartridges or needles that require more weight for tracking.

The Shure also handles sibilance like a charm!---There are no spitty "s" words or "th" pronunciations from vocals that often can be heard on a record with a lesser cartridge.No harsh "sssss" on vocals cutting over the speakers throughout the room...I have yet to encounter any of my records I have played ,so far, to challenge the Shure and win. Again, the Shure is an absolute wonderful light tracker,also---Other cartridges I had to dial in more sylus tracking force and I could still hear both IGD and that nasty sibilance (some would be slightly overcome,but not by much---still audible).The best thing from the Shure, in this category, is that closing my eyes and just listening, the last track on a record sounds as crisp and clear as on the first track(is the Shure playing at the beginning of my record or the end?)---There is no "crackling" or distorted highs...Speaking of highs...

Now, how about the lows,mids, AND highs? Well, I will go straight to the high freqs,which are often the primary discussion of one of the Shure's sonic playback traits or audio qualities with most reviewers...When compared to the AT 440ML cartridge I also use ,as well as a Denon DL110 (High Output), I can see (or,rather hear) what the debate or issue may be with some(Example---The highs on the Shure sound a bit rolled off or smoothed out to these ears. Cymbals do not sound harsh or artificial, but not as realistic ,either---just "controlled").Synergy on an audio system is EVERYTHING (how well all of your audio gear mates to produce a synergistic and compatible and pleasant sound quality---mismatches can be a pain in the bum).The way I interpret the highs from the Shure is that records ,which I thought used to sound shrill or bright, are now "tamed". This in turn allows me to hear them with absolute no ear or mind fatigue (and the Adult ADD does not kick in or get triggered like it used to, lol).Since I can listen to albums for longer listening sessions now, I am able to pick up more detail and just enjoy the music)! ALSO, this Shure cart is VERY smooth and quiet when it comes to vinyl surface noise---One would think that despite it's fine micro-stylus it should pick up more surface anomalies and possibly,ahem,groove dirt (as clean as I like to think I keep my vinyl collection).The Shure played in my system offers a very low to virtually quiet black background(particulalrly noticeable between songs or solo instrumental passages). I have an older Micro Acoustics cart this is also a fiine groove tracer and mimics the Shure---However, I can always hear more surface noise with the MA!

Bass and mids are pleasant but nothing to write home about...In fact, as opposed to my AT and Denon carts, I often find myself nudging the bass control a bit in the upwards mode. Mids are not "in your face" but do an admirable job with the majority of vocals (though, I am sure there are other mid to high end carts whose mids are more stronger in presentation and more accurate than the Shure's)...

Stereo separation is adequate but nowhere near the wide soundfield of the AT 44O ML or even the Denon DL 110...Imaging stage is pretty decent, BUT cannot accurately pin point some instruments in the "3-D sonic spatial field"(that "in-the-air" aural vibe one gets with some carts)...

The Shure is NOT the "be all" or "end all" of MM cartridges or all cartridges in general...It is a "different" cart than what I was accustomed to all those years.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

AT 440 ML (Micro-Line)

Micro Acoustics 3002 (contact-line)

Denon DL 110 (HO MC)



Shure V15VxMR is currently mounted onth the arm of a Denon DP 59L (which matches perfectly or "synergistically" well)! Also, using a modestly priced and humble B.B.E. Phon pre-amp connected to a "vintage" 1990-91? Pioneer VSX 3800 100 watt receiver and an Optimus in-line EQ with stereo image expander.

Balanced, mellow sound with good frequency response and detail. Low tracking force preserves vinyl. Great tracking ability. Replacable stylus. $20 stylus retipping directly from Shure. Compatable with many tonearms and preamps. Value.

May not be a good match with darker sounding systems and/or some tubed phonostages.

I have been using the V15VxMR with my NAD 533 turntable and modified RB250 arm for about three years now and I am still quite satisfied with it. Its relaxed yet detailed presentation is a good match for systems that lean toward the bright and analytical side. However, if your system is already on the warmer side of neutral and/or lacks dynamics and rhythmic drive and punch, there are probably better choices. To my ears, the Shure's tonal balance is nearly perfect through my Parasound PPH-100 phonostage, Cayin TA-30 tubed integrated and JBL L7 loudspeakers. I think that if I went with a tubed phonostage, however, that might shift the tonal balance too far over to the warm side and things might start to get a little to "mushy" and slow. As always, system matching is very important and your results may vary. As others here have noted, the V15VxMR is a very user-friendly cartridge. One thing I really like about it is that you can remove the stylus assembly while leaving the cartridge body mounted to the tonearm. And, as far as I know, you can still send it to Shure to be retipped for $20. Such value and convience is rare in the crazy world of phono cartridges. Try getting your Benz or Dynavector cart retipped for that price! Some people don't seem to be crazy about the fact that the V15 is now made in Mexico. My philosophy is that if a product consists of high quality parts and is built well, then it doesn't matter where it comes from. I'm sure that's also a big reason why the V15 is such a good value, especially if purchased at a discount.

Similar Products Used:

Shure M91ED, Clearaudio Arum Alpha, Goldring Electra and 1012

Practical aspects, neutrality, wide bandwidth

Less dynamic than the best MC

This MM cartridge is very well build (unlike my Grado Gold, the attaches are broken !), the needle can be easily replaced, the brush is very efficient at removing dust and as a stabilizer for warped LPs, and the output is high enough for most "MM" phono inputs. Therefore, perfect from a practical point of view. The sound is good to very good, but not perfect. It is less subtil in the highs tan the Shure V15t.IIIHE (if my memory is correct), doesn't have the amazing bass nor the dynamic of a Supex MC, but it has no serious weakness, is very neutral and has a wide bandwidth. Compared to Grado Gold, the medium is less proeminent, and more ultra-low and ultra-high frequencies are extracted.

Similar Products Used:

ADC XLM, many Shure, Grado Gold, Supex 901E

Bass Bass Bass Smooth, balanced sound Detailed sound Excellent tracking VERY easy on records Affordable stylus replacement

Really none for price. Won't sound like a moving coil if that's what you're looking for.

Don't have much experience with higher-priced cartridges, but I've tried many priced below the V15. I'm finally very happy with the sound I'm getting from my vinyl. No more cartridge shopping for me!!! Frequency response does seem pretty flat to me. Bass response goes down way further than anything at it's price or below. Presents a very balanced sound compared to other cartridges I've tried. (no ear bleeds here) When I first got the cartridge, I actually did hear a kind of "metallic" or "synthetic" sound that others have mentioned here. Took me awhile to get everything set up and adjusted properly. Seems VERY minor adjustments of tracking force and even anti-skate make all the difference with this cartridge. Not sure what happened, if it was the fine-tuning or the cartridge needed some breaking in, but I've REALLY got nothing bad to say about how it sounds now. Sounds smooth, dynamic and detailed. Just a little warm. Every record I have sounds pretty good when played with this cartridge. Many were very annoying with the others I've tried. If your looking for a cartridge that stresses detail a little, maybe adds a little sparkle or presence, this is NOT the one. Though I wouldn't go as far as to say it's "dull" sounding, (detail IS there) I can see why some people would prefer something else on some systems. I would absolutely recommend this cartridge to anyone who's looking for overall smoothness, accuracy and bass impact that you won't find at this price anywhere else. (Great for rock and large hall classical) That's what I was looking for and found in the V15. Wish I would have bought this cartridge first. Seemed too pricy at first. Ended up buying a few cheaper cartridges first which just didn't cut it in my system. Costed me more in the end. The easily replaceable stylus is also a big plus. Stylus can be sent to Shure for a rebuild for only $50.00 (All other Shure styli cost $20.00, V15 is $50.00) That should save some $ in the long run.

Similar Products Used:

Audio Technica 440ML, Grado Red, Stanton 681 EEE MK2

excellant tracking protects records. can sound extremly realistic. not fussy about match to system. high value for money. user repalacable parts.

can be overwhelmed with very complex information. audio snobs think you are that big dumb guy from the beverly hillbillies.(ever lovin' jethro)

i bought this becuse i figured the suspension had gottrn old on my previous v15. was disappointed the easy set up tray was discontinued. noticed quality (from mexico now) was down from the old shures. sounded better than the old v15 top of line, inproving on the soundstage and detail. could never get it quite right with the brush down. so i was rechecking vta and snapped off the tip. though it was my fault shure provided a replacement stylus becuse of their one year no fault warranty. (jand r music world provided copy of reciept-thanks) slipped in the new stylus with no change in adjustment pow brush no longer wreaks sound. this is the nicest user replacable tip cartidge that i know of. to me that's a big feature. plus i will always be able to re-tip it myself,there are so many out there i don't see that market going away. i also like a cartridge that can be purchised discounted. the mark up an catridges can be downright unfair. plus i feel the tracking protects my records. number one priority!any mistracking ruins records so nothing can ever play them. if in the future i change my system this will probably still fit in with what ever i throw at it. i can't justify spending high end money on something you should change after the suspension ages. my system is nice but doesn't cost more than my car. i think some people keep their cartridges too long becuse they spent so much on them not the situation with the shure. nice proformance no audio salon mark up, replace the tip a couple of times then get a new one. your records will have been degraded as little as possible so if you do want to move up you've still got your records in good shape-tracking is so important . i read some posts here about high end informtion loss and can't understand it. maybe the vertical adjustment(a must with this cartridge)was off for them becuse mine works great. take beggers banquet by the rolling stones factory girl track. the cymble is being hit with some kind of beads or something, not a wire brush. my old cartridges never told me about that. i think this is about all you need for a rock cartridge and sounds pretty nice all around.

Similar Products Used:

audio tecnica top of mm line. . b and o beogram quad top of line. old shure top of line. stanton top of line.

Nice sweet sound fairly quick and good range tracks well.

It can not compare in sound to the Nos Shure V-15-III-Mr I have nor the V-15-II or even my NOS First of the line Shure V-15 Even the Shure V-15-IV sounds alot better. I rate it last to all the rest when they brought it back they should have gone back to making it like the V-15-IIIwith The Mr stylus It tracks one gram and needs NO Brush to help it it sounds much sweeter. I rate them in this order for best sound 1.Shure V-15-III 2.shure V-15-II 3.ShureV-15 4.Shure V-15-IV 5.Shure V-15-V-mr and 6. Shure V-15-V-x-mr Also not made in the USA. Like the rest where

The Shure V-15-V-MRx was tested on my Dual 1019 turntable through audio research sp-7 pre amp and modified Dynaco ST 120 with Kef K -160 speakers. Also tested was the whole family of V-15 Cartridges from the V-15 through the V-15-V mr also used a Dual 1228 a Miracord 770-H And a Thorens 318-td

Similar Products Used:

All of the Shure V-15 cartridges Plus Empire Z-1000-ex

It was as much of an improvement as the yamaha TT was over my POS toshiba TT.

It is spendy, but hell, getting it retipped is only $20...

This cartidge IS impressive. I recently purchased a yamaha PF-800 on ebay that included this cartridge. I had bought an audiotechnica at91e ($30) originally to use while I was waiting for the $$$ to get a needle for it ($127 was the cheapest I found for it at garage a records). I received the needle about 5 days ago and OMG!!! It is incredible!!! It shows detail that the audiotechnica couldn't touch. According to most it seems it is not even through the touted "break in period". Wow, you mean it get's BETTER??? It makes my TT utterly blow away my cd player and my DAT deck. There is one thing though. It is VERY picky about even slightly warped records.

Similar Products Used:

Audio Technica AT91E